The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested a man suspected of soliciting and accepting a bribe from a VIP to purportedly close his case that is under investigation.

According to the MACC, the 54-year-old suspect had solicited RM70,000 from the individual, claiming to be able to close the case against him.

Sources revealed that the suspect was arrested at a hotel room in Kuala Lumpur last night with cash amounting to around RM20,000.

MACC deputy director (operations) Azam Baki confirmed the arrests and said it views the matter seriously.

"This is not the first time such an incident has happened and the MACC had in the past taken actions against several individuals for using MACC's name to solicit bribes.

"This is an action that can tarnish MACC's reputation," he said, adding that the MACC will not compromise over any such attempts.

It is understood that the suspect, who is working for a media agency, was planning to tell the VIP that he has contacts within MACC and would be able to close the case involving the VIP.

Utusan Online later reported that the suspect, said to be an assistant manager in an English newspaper, has been remanded for six days to assist investigations under Section 16(a) and 16(b) of the MACC Act 2009.

Magistrate Nik Isfahanie Tasnim Wan Ab Rahman in Putrajaya allowed the remand until June 5.